Draft:Opium Weights

Myanmar people, formerly known as Burmese, had a tradition of making traditional standard weights, however they are better known to the world as "opium weights", than as normal weights for weighing consumer items at marketplace. They were issued by almost every king and queen from 13th century to 19th centuries throughout Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

History and Design
Burmese animal-shaped weights, crafted from a copper alloy, have been used for trade since aroundf the 15th century. These weights come in three (possibly four) main designs:


 * A feline-like beast
 * A bird, usually resembling a duck (most common)
 * An elephant (primarily found in northern Siam)

They range in size from about 2 grams to 4 kilograms and were used for valuable goods like silver ingots, which served as currency. Simpler, dome-shaped marble weights were used for everyday items. The weights weren't just for practical purposes. Their intricate designs and animal shapes held symbolic meaning. They represented the divine and earthly power of the Burmese monarchy and conveyed the Buddhist disapproval of cheating through false weights.

Production and Use Today
Production of these "royal weights" ceased over 100 years ago, but their use continues in some areas. Up until 1970, some merchants and monks still employed them. Today, you might find them alongside car parts or stones in village markets. They're also kept as souvenirs or sold in tourist towns.

Research and Significance
This study examines these weights in three parts:


 * 1) Physical Characteristics: This section analyzes weight units, size, materials, and shapes, along with insights into their use and production.
 * 2) Symbolic Meanings: Here, the research explores the identification, origins, and symbolic significance of the animal figures and their parts.
 * 3) Cross-Cultural Connections: This section investigates why similar animal motifs appear on weights from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia, potentially influencing the Burmese designs.

The research also explores the historical context, tracing trade routes and population movements to understand how these weights spread across Southeast Asia.

Previous Research and Acknowledgements
This study builds upon the valuable work of previous scholars like Temple and Decourdemanche on Burmese weights and mass systems. It also acknowledges contributions from other researchers like Noettling, Sale, Gardner, Fraser-Lu, and Braun.

The study defines "royal weights" as those with genuine markings, frequently found in Burma, along with similar unmarked weights with consistent shapes and sizes. This excludes most unofficial copies, except for some high-quality ones made in the past.